About Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Self-Defense | Family-Friendly.
At Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we teach martial arts designed for everyday life. We aren’t an aggressive tournament factory, and we don't believe in survival-of-the-fittest training where beginners get smashed on day one.
Our academy was built from the ground up on one clear idea: martial arts should build people up, not break them down. Whether you are a parent looking to give your child unshakeable confidence or an adult wanting to get in the best shape of your life without risking work injuries on Monday morning, our mats are safe, collaborative, and ego-free.
Our Lineage & Evolution
Technical Heritage, Modern Independence.
Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy operated for years as an official Gracie Certified Training Center (CTC) under Gracie University. That background shaped our commitment to structured, step-by-step curriculum design, real-world defensive leverage, and a strict focus on student safety over reckless athleticism.
Today, as an independent academy proudly affiliated with Cat5BJJ, we retain that technical self-defense standard while having the freedom to run our school with complete community-first transparency:
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No Trapping Contracts: We don't believe in 12-month handcuffs. We earn your business every month.
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Family-First Mat Culture: We maintain an environment where parents, kids, law enforcement, and complete beginners train side by side in mutual respect.
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Practical Leverage: We teach Jiu-Jitsu that relies on timing, weight distribution, and leverage—enabling smaller practitioners to control and neutralize larger opponents.
Total Support: On the Mat & at Home
Great martial arts instruction shouldn't vanish the second you walk out the front door. We believe in reinforcing technique between classes so progression never feels overwhelming.
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Free Online Video Portal (Youth): Every Bully Blockers family receives complimentary access to our digital video curriculum. If your child wants to review a de-escalation technique or positional escape before their next stripe, the step-by-step breakdown is right on your tablet or phone.
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Adult Online Library (Coming Soon): We are currently building out the full video lesson archive for our adult All-Levels curriculum, giving teens and adults the same off-mat study tools to sharpen their foundation anytime, anywhere.
The Team
Who We Are
Kenny Nero, Jr.
Head Instructor
Kenny Nero is the founder and Head Instructor of Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. His formal Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began in 2002 under Professor Maguilla. He continued his training at Capital MMA from 2015 to 2018 and later immersed himself in the Gracie University system, where he earned his purple belt. Today, Kenny is a brown belt under the Cat5BJJ banner, training with Professors Anthony Nelson and Alberto Da Silva. He remains dedicated to providing safe, practical, and effective self-defense training.
Mark Miller
Instructor
Mark is Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy's first Assistant Instructor. Mark is a purple belt under Ryron and Rener Gracie of Gracie University. Mark and Kenny met at the Annapolis Certified Training Center and have been friends ever since. Mark is also a Lead Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) Certified Instructor and at times travels throughout the country to train law enforcement.
Izumi Kawakami
Instructor
Izumi is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt. Izumi has been training since 2016 and started her Jiu-Jitsu journey at Central Oahu Jiu-Jitsu in Wahiawa, Hawaii. She has been certified to teach self defense since 2017. In 2023, Izumi and her family relocated to Maryland and joined Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. She is an assistant instructor, with a passion for the women's self-defense program, DefendHer.
When Izumi is not on the mat, she is spending time with her husband and 3 kids or serving at their church, Cornerstone in Bowie.
Jon Spiers
Instructor
Jon is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt. He has been playing on the mat since 2021 and started his journey at Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He has been teaching here since the summer of 2023.
He is a retired Sailor and Mustang, and leads a training department that teaches military communication. Jon prioritizes fitness with yoga and strength training.
Donrell "DJ" Johnson
Instructor
With decades of experience spanning Karate, Muay Thai, and private security defensive tactics, Coach DJ brings a highly practical, reality-based approach to the academy. As a purple belt and Fit to Fight® certified coach, he blends technical precision with real-world application. DJ’s mission is to create dynamic, growth-focused training that empowers students to be self-aware and capable in any environment.
Anthony Nelson
Instructor
Anthony Nelson is a 1st Degree BJJ Black Belt under Professor Alberto Da Silva and owner of Tidal Wave Jiu-Jitsu. With a global training background and experience instructing elite military units—including US and British Special Forces—Anthony brings a high-level technical perspective to our team. At Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, he provides mentorship to our instructors and ensures the curriculum remains world-class. He is dedicated to making Jiu-Jitsu accessible and empowering for military members, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
